3 charged in fatal beating of alpaca in Ohio

Authorities have charged three people in the theft and fatal beating of a baby alpaca in southwest Ohio.

The 3-month-old alpaca, named Masterpiece, was reported stolen Feb. 19 from a farm near Middletown. Authorities say the animal was beaten, put in a truck, and dumped in an abandoned barn.

Butler County sheriff's officials say two 17-year-old boys are charged in juvenile court with animal cruelty, breaking and entering, and tampering with evidence. A 22-year-old woman faces complicity charges, for allegedly driving the truck the alpaca was moved in.

The alpaca had a value of at least $8,000. Alpacas are similar to llamas and native to South America. They're prized for their wool.